Part 2, Chapter 4 Summary

General Barrios has had a long and distinguished military career. A long time gambler, he is always deeply in debt. He is given a high military post in the Ribiera government. As Barrios and his troops leave to fight, Mrs. Gould invites Decoud into the carriage with her and Antonia. They visit Giorgio at his hotel. Giorgio compares his own experience as a poor revolutionary to the wealth and ceremonies accompanying both sides in this current conflict. Decoud makes several jokes about the war preparations that offend everyone. These jokes bother many people who take the war seriously, including Mrs. Gould and Don Jose.

Part 2, Chapter 4 Analysis

Decoud's presence puts an ironic spin on all the war preparations. While the others treat the revolution like something special, Decoud treats it as one of many revolutions in the region, part of a...